RTÉ has revealed that Kevin Bakhurst will take over as the next Director General of the national broadcaster.
The appointment follows an "extensive and competitive recruitment process" where Mr Bakhurst was determined to be the unanimous choice by the RTÉ Board.
Kevin Bakhurst will replace Dee Forbes as Director General of RTÉ at the end of her term on July 11.
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Mr Bakhurst previously held the role of Managing Director of News & Current Affairs at RTÉ and Deputy Director General from September, 2012 until October, 2016. He also served as acting Director General for a six-month period.
Following the appointment, Mr Bakhurst said he was honoured to take up the role.
"RTÉ faces huge challenges and global competition, and I am confident we can deliver the ambitious change needed to remain valued and relevant to our audiences. I'm looking forward to getting started," he said.
Before RTÉ, he was Group Director, of Broadcasting and Online at Ofcom as well as a member of their board.
He has led Ofcom’s work on the UK’s new Online Safety Policy and built a team of around 350 to deliver it, including a new data and technology team, and in the process shaped the structure of Ofcom to take on the new duties.
Between 2006 and 2012, Mr Bakhurst held a number of senior editorial positions at the BBC, including Controller, BBC News Channel and Deputy Head, BBC Newsroom from 2005.
He was also a member of the BBC’s London 2012 Olympics Steering Committee.
In his new position in RTÉ, he will be required to take the organisation forward in a changing media and Irish landscape.
His official start date as Director General of RTÉ is set to be announced shortly.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin congratulated Mr Bakhurst at what he defined as a "challenging time for RTÉ. "He has a proven track record of leadership at the highest levels and will bring a wealth of experience to the role," Minister Martin added.
Siún Ní Raghailligh, RTÉ Chairperson said Kevin was the "unanimous choice of the RTÉ Board."
"Kevin brings an exceptional breadth of industry experience, great leadership skills and a passionate commitment to the development of public service broadcasting in all its forms. Kevin’s appointment comes at time of opportunity and change for RTÉ," she added.
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